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Source: ONE News -
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The move to dump the controversial Foreshore and Seabed law is a step closer with the Prime Minister confirming cabinet is now looking at changing the legislation.
John Key has described the scrap over who owns New Zealand's foreshore and seabed as a weeping sore. He's now trying to heal that wound.
"I think there is a way through this to navigate what is a complex piece of law to get a better outcome and one that actually sits well with all New Zealanders," he says.
Key has indicated the controversial legislation will be repealed, five years after it sparked protest scenes at parliament, and the formation of the Maori Party after Tariana Turia split from Labour over the issue.
The politically thorny question now though is what will replace it?
National is still giving nothing away as it struggles for a way to recognise Maori customary rights without upsetting other New Zealanders.
"I think this is not as difficult as everyone says. I'm not saying it's not challenging. But it's not impossible," says Key.
The bottom line for Key though is that New Zealanders must continue to have unfettered access to the beach.
"I think we have an understanding of what expectation New Zealanders have and they have my absolute assurance that those expectations will be met," he says.
Indications the law will be axed comes after National's former leader, Don Brash, who revved up racial tension when it was passed, admitted mistakes were made under his watch.
"I think the National Party got it wrong. I think we should have in fact supported the right of iwi to go to the High Court," says Brash.
Key is clearly now trying to right any wrongs, while treading the fine line between offending his own supporters and the demands of his political ally.
